If you are looking for a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and festive cheer to your table, this Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Imagine tender, juicy beef tips lovingly simmered in a rich, savory gravy infused with fragrant herbs and sweet onions. Whether it’s a bustling holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss. The flavors develop beautifully during slow cooking, making every bite a celebration of hearty, home-cooked goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six containers of ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a large clear glass bowl filled with small, pink chunks of raw meat. Above it, a clear glass measuring cup holds a golden-brown liquid. To the left of the bowl, a small white bowl contains a white powdery substance. Below the bowl, there are three small white square and round bowls; one with dark brown liquid, one with light beige flakes, and the smallest with a small amount of minced light yellow garlic. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to creating the magic in your Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips Recipe. Each component plays its part: the beef for meaty richness, flour for thickening the gravy, and a blend of herbs and sauces that lift the taste to something truly comforting and special.

2 lb beef sirloin tips or stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for tender, flavorful results.
2 tbsp flour: This helps create a luscious gravy by thickening the cooking juices.
1 tbsp olive oil: Used to brown the beef and add a subtle fruity note.
1 onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it simmers.
2 cups beef broth: Creates a savory base that keeps the beef moist and tender.
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness and a hint of tang.
1 tbsp soy sauce: Enhances the savory character with a touch of saltiness.
1 tsp thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the beef beautifully.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

How to Make Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Flour the Beef

Start by tossing the beef tips in flour seasoned generously with salt and pepper. This step seals in the juices and helps the final gravy thicken into a silky, rich coating. Don’t rush through this—make sure each piece is evenly coated for the best texture.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef tips in batches. The golden crust you create here not only locks in flavor but also adds beautiful color to your dish. Once browned, transfer them to your slow cooker, keeping that flavorful fond in the pan for any added layers of taste.

Step 3: Combine Aromatics and Liquids

Add the sliced onion directly into the slow cooker along with the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and thyme. These ingredients meld together during the slow cooking process, infusing the beef with a complex, savory grace that feels festive yet homey.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set the slow cooker on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking melts connective tissues and transforms the beef tips into tender morsels that practically melt in your mouth. The gravy thickens and deepens in flavor, making this dish worth every minute it takes.

How to Serve Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips Recipe

The image shows a dark pot filled with slow-cooked beef chunks and smaller shredded pieces in the center, surrounded by small golden potatoes and bright orange baby carrots. Bay leaves and a few garlic cloves float in a rich brown broth, creating a hearty stew look. The beef appears tender and juicy, and the vegetables are soft but firm. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is just visible holding the edge of the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and flavor, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or thyme just before serving. A scattering of crispy fried onions also makes a delightful garnish, adding an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef tips.

Side Dishes

This Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips Recipe pairs exceptionally well with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. These sides soak up the savory gravy and provide a soft, comforting base that balances the dish perfectly. For a green touch, steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts are fantastic choices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday twist, serve the beef tips in individual rustic bread bowls filled with gravy, turning mealtime into an interactive feast. Alternatively, arrange the beef over a bed of buttery polenta for an elegant yet cozy presentation that will impress family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beef tips keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making the next day’s meal even more delicious. Just be sure to cool the dish before refrigerating to maintain quality.

Freezing

This recipe freezes exceptionally well, perfect for holiday batch cooking. Place cooled beef tips with gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that fresh-from-the-slow-cooker taste anytime.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to revive the gravy’s silky texture. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover the dish to keep moisture locked in and avoid drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin tips or stew meat are ideal for their tenderness and cooking speed, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks for a richer, fattier texture that holds up well during slow cooking.

How thick should the gravy be?

The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon smoothly. If it’s too thin after cooking, you can thicken it with a quick slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water, then simmer it for a few minutes.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

While the Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips Recipe centers around beef, you can adapt it using hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes and vegetable broth. Adjust the sauces to keep the umami notes strong and enjoy a similar comforting experience.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a holiday gathering?

Yes, this recipe is perfect as a make-ahead dish. Prepare and slow cook it the day before, then reheat gently before serving. The flavors often deepen overnight, which makes it even tastier on the day of your celebration.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A medium-bodied red wine such as Merlot or Zinfandel complements the rich, savory notes of the beef tips beautifully. Their fruit-forward profiles balance the dish’s hearty flavors and create a harmonious dining experience.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips Recipe has a special place at my table because it’s as reliable as it is delicious. It invites comfort and celebration all at once, making it an ideal choice for holiday meals or simple dinners when you want something truly satisfying. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor every tender, flavorful bite with your loved ones.

Sara

Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips Recipe